Tender Trust by Tanya Stowe Read Free Book Online

stood around, listening as he regaled them with some story, a drink in one hand and his other in his pocket.
    Something about his stance, his confidence put Alex on edge.
    Just as they reached the group, the men burst into laughter.
    “Sorry to interrupt, judge, but this is Alex Marsden, the gentleman I told you about, from Darnell Lumber,” Andy said, stepping into the group.
    “Oh yes, of course. How do you do, sir?”
    The older, white-haired man across from Alex held out his hand.
    After a moment’s pause, Alex extended his left. “Sorry, judge. The right doesn’t work so well since the war.”
    “Oh, yes, yes, of course,” the judge said. The handshake took only a moment, long enough for Alex to glance around the group and gauge the men’s expressions.
    A flash of a smile, almost a smirk passed over Holloway’s lips, the familiar look that said he considered Alex less of a man without the use of his arm.
    It was a look Alex had come to know all too well.
    “Yes, well.” The judge cleared his throat. “You just bought that large plot of land at the corner of Greene and Bonanza Streets.”
    “Yes, I did. It will be the location for our new warehouse.”
    “Good,” said the judge. “Good. I’m always glad to hear about growth in Bodie. Mr. Holloway here,” the judge gestured, “was just telling us about a new…holding…he’s about to acquire.”
    “Saloon, judge. You can say it. I’m buying another saloon.”
    There was a stilted silence, and all the men looked about uncomfortably. Many of them probably owned holdings in saloons and gambling houses, maybe even some prostitution cribs. But most of them would not talk about it so openly, and certainly not in mixed company.
    Holloway stood with his hand still in his pocket, his look brazen, almost defying anyone to correct him.
    “I thought you already owned most of the property on Bonanza Street,” Andy said, his tone flat.
    “I do. The Copper Penny is one of the last holdouts.”
    Alex gave a start.
    Holloway noticed the movement and his piercing gaze made Alex tense.
    Alex already didn’t like the man. His interest in Penny’s saloon made Alex like the man even less.
    “The Copper Penny,” Alex said, trying to control his tone. “Quite an unusual name for a saloon.”
    “Not half as unusual as the red-headed widow who owns it,” said a florid, balding man to the right of Alex.
    Alex stiffened.
    Holloway’s gaze flicked towards him and settled.
    “You have an interest in red-headed widows, my friend?” Holloway asked, his tone low and cool.
    Warning bells went off and Alex controlled his features. “Curiosity. Not interest.”
    Holloway nodded, but didn’t look convinced.
    Another man took up the conversation and Holloway looked away.
    Alex was careful not to say anything else or to show how anxious he was to get away.
    It was almost fifteen minutes before he could move from the group and another thirty before he was certain Holloway wasn’t tracking his movements.
    Alex left the gathering early, taut, tense, and more than ready to have a long discussion with Penny first thing in the morning.
     
    ****
     
    “Are you finished with me, Aunt Penny?” Jann stood in the door of her office.
    “Yes, Jann. I’m finished.” Penny blew out the match and fit the glass chimney into place.
    “Good, ‘cuz Lexie wants to play tag.”
    Penny drew a tight, sharp little breath. “Alexa Marsden.”
    Lexie poked her head around the corner of the door. Her long, thick, copper-colored braid whipped over her shoulder.
    “Yes, Mommy?”
    “It’s no use hiding and sending Jann to do your dirty work. You know I said there would be no playing until your dolls were picked up from the kitchen.”
    The child stepped out from behind the wall and looked down, scuffing one black shoe on the wood floor. “Most of them are picked up.”
    “Most isn’t good enough, young lady. How is Inga supposed to cook with your dolls all over the kitchen? Finish